The Kruger National Park Life Story Of The Elephant Bull Mayafudi

Mayafudi – Memories of an elephant is an English adaptation of the booklet Mayafudi which was published in Afrikaans by Tarlehoet Publishers in 2005. The eventful life story of the elephant bull Mayafudi has in essence not changed. It is only told afresh. The package is also new. Fresh information, observations and insights have been added.

The book is a mixture of fact and fiction, an effort to place the reader inside the thick, scaly skin of an elephant in order to experience the tribulations of fires, floods, droughts, poaching and culling. The Kruger Park Wildfires Spread On The Big Elephant

The headstrong Mafunyane (The Angry one) with the formidable tusks, was in fact one of the greats of the Kruger National Park. The central figure in the book, the blue-blooded bull Mayafudi, grandson of Mafunyane, is, however, a figment of the imagination. His name is derived from an Afrikaans invective “Maaifoedie” (Rascal).

The wise martriach Ukuthula (Peace from within) is, like her son, completely fictional. Ukuthula was in fact the original name of the property which the Van Deventer family bought in Sabiepark in 1997. Sabiepark, where the story of Mayafudi was born, is a unique private nature reserve on the doorstep of Kruger. It is in many respects still an undiscovered jewel.

From the observation post of Sabiepark’s peaceful green picnic spot along the Sabie River, one has an unobstructed view of various drinking holes regularly visited by elephants. Opposite the picnic spot is the Game Park’s S3 river road – elephant country, indeed. The Elephants Yearning and Why We Say This Is The Elephant Country

Sometimes the entire herd saunters from the pristine bush into the picnic area – more often a single old loner. Sometimes the visitors are in a hurry and remain only for a few minutes. Often they parade for hours on end. They are popular visitors. Their captivating behavioural patterns offer a feast to all - particularly writers, photographers and artists.

Mayafudi – Memories of an elephant can be dedicated to no other than all the elephants that frequent and inhabit that vicinity. They supplied the inspiration. Much of the material is a true to life recording of their habits and activities which were actually observed. The Birth and Growth of the Great Sabie Park and Kruger Park Elephant.

Come and meet Mayafudi. Next time an elephant in the Kruger Park winks at you, it could well be one of his descendants. Who knows?

Hennie van Deventer

Melkbosstrand 2006